WC Texas News

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) will provide $18.6 million in CARES Act funding to 12 economic development agencies across Texas – including Northeast Texas – to provide assistance grants to small businesses to help them survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

“President (Donald) Trump is working diligently every day to support our nation’s economy following the impacts of COVID-19 through the CARES Act,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said. “These investments will provide small businesses across Texas with the necessary capital to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic and, in turn, create a stronger and more resilient state economy for the future.”

EDA Chief of Staff Dana Garrzke said the investments come at a “crucial time” to help Texas businesses recover.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and EDA is pleased to invest these CARES Act funds so that Texas businesses have access to capital to respond to and recover from the coronavirus pandemic,” she said.

CARES Act funding ranging from approximately $550,000 on up to $4.3 million will be provided to a dozen economic development organizations.

Officials in the Northeast Texas Economic Development District will receive a $550,000 grant. The grant money can be used to provide loans to small businesses in Upshur, Titus, Bell, Bosque, Somervell, Red River, Bowie, Camp, Panola, Navarro, Cass, Coryell, Morris, Milam, Delta, Eastland, McLennan, Marion, Erath, Falls, Limestone, Lamar, Franklin, Freestone, Johnson, Hopkins, Gregg, Harrison and Hill counties. 

“Small businesses in Texas have borne the brunt of the pandemic’s devastating impact,” Sen. John Cornyn said in the press release. “I applaud this announcement and will continue to do everything I can to make sure Texas small businesses have what they need to survive this crisis.”